Jakarta — Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) Ahmad Muzani stated that former President Soeharto has made significant contributions and services to the nation, making him deserving of the National Hero title.
“The MPR has sent a letter to the government stating that it fully permits the conferral of an award to former President Soeharto, as he is deemed to have completed all legal processes, both criminal and civil,” Muzani said in Jakarta, Friday (Nov 7).
According to him, there are no longer any constitutional or legal obstacles preventing President Prabowo Subianto from granting the title to Soeharto and former President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur). Muzani views the potential conferment as part of a broader national reconciliation effort.
“The MPR considers that there are no constitutional handicaps. Of course, the reasoning behind it will be explained by the government — perhaps due to his contributions, or other considerations,” he added.
Echoing the sentiment, Deputy Speaker of the MPR RI, Eddy Soeparno, emphasized that Soeharto was one of Indonesia’s heads of state who made substantial contributions to the country. During his administration, Soeharto successfully stabilized and revitalized the national economy.
“We can see from the historical record that President Soeharto was the leader who took charge when Indonesia was facing a severe economic downturn,” Eddy said at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta.
From the executive branch, Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi urged the public to respond wisely to the ongoing public debate surrounding the proposal. He assured that all procedures in the determination of the title were carried out properly and in accordance with established rules.
“The process for awarding the title of National Hero goes through all necessary procedures. Differences in opinion — some agreeing, some not — are part of public aspirations,” Prasetyo said at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta.
From the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Deputy Chair of Commission I, Dave Laksono, also responded to the discussion. He noted that public debate over the proposal is natural in a democratic system like Indonesia’s. Nevertheless, he believes Soeharto deserves to be recognized as a National Hero.
“Every citizen has the right to express their views, as does the government in making its decision to confer the title,” Dave said.
He explained that several key considerations support Soeharto’s eligibility for the title, particularly his success in maintaining macroeconomic stability during his 32-year leadership.
“Macroeconomic stability and consistent GDP growth were hallmarks of his leadership. The economy grew by an average of around 7 percent annually — even reaching double digits in the early years of his presidency,” he elaborated.
Meanwhile, Yusup Rahman Hakim, researcher and Deputy Director of Intelligence and National Security Studies (INSS), emphasized that the mechanism for granting the National Hero title follows a strict legal and multi-tier verification framework. Thus, public discussions regarding Soeharto’s candidacy should be open and evidence-based.
“Discussions about Soeharto as a potential National Hero are valid, as long as the evaluation is based on data and historical facts, not conflicting opinions,” Yusup explained. [*]